My Genealogy Hound

M. A. Wycough, county clerk of Independence County, and one of its most scholarly men, was born February 3, 1835, and is a son of Samuel B. and Malinda H. (Bandy) Wycough, of Lincoln County, N. C. In 1835 the parents emigrated to Independence County, Ark., and located at Batesville, where their son was born. The father was a carpenter, and master of his trade, as some of the finest buildings in Batesville, and also some of the first, will testify. He held the office of county treasurer for five successive terms, and also represented Independence County in the legislature for one term, and was one of the most prominent and brilliant politicians in Independence County at that period. His word carried considerable weight, and his influence was eagerly sought after by others. The Wycough family are of German origin, and the name has been illustrious for several generations as soldiers, statesmen and honorable men. The grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his bravery was often the theme of conversation among his fellow-comrades, while Samuel B. Wycough, though dying in 1880, his brilliant career in the political arena is still remembered in Arkansas. The mother died in 1864, leaving eight children, of whom five are still living: Marion A., Martin A. R., Samuel B., Henry C. and William H., the latter a Presbyterian minister in Texas. M. A. Wycough was reared and educated at Batesville. The facilities for attending school at that period were very limited, consequently young Wycough did not receive quite the learning that he wished for, but his natural ability and bright intellect made up for any deficiency. At fifteen years of age he occupied a position of trust for several years, with a firm in Batesville, and then followed the carpenter’s trade for a number of years after his marriage. In 1861 he enlisted in Capt. McGuffin’s company, and accompanied Gen. Price in his raids through Missouri, and while on a scouting expedition, he received a gunshot wound in the left foot. After the war Mr. Wycough entered into commercial life up to the time of his election to the present office, in 1879. He took charge of the position in 1880, and his distinguished services have been recognized to that extent that he has been re-elected five times in succession — the first and third terms without opposition. In 1856 he was married to Miss Emma A. Bevins, and has had three children by this union, of whom one is yet living, Ralph, who resides in Colorado. Mr. Wycough was married a second time, in 1870, to Miss Sarah J. Kennedy, by whom he has had two children, one of them, Jessie, still living. He is a stanch Democrat, and that party has no more able and loyal supporter. Mr. Wycough and wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church, and are much respected by their neighbors and fellow citizens.